Package Deal

by Chris Chegri

  His arms flew in front of his face. “Hey, hey, I was kidding.”

  Kelly pelted him with a second wad.

  “Don’t you feel better though?”

  She collapsed against the back of her chair and laughed, too tired to give it her all. God, it was nice to laugh after the trials of the last two weeks, and oddly enough, Waldo had hit on something she did believe in—the danger of negative thinking.

  “I swear. I must have been born in the Chinese year of the rat.” She caught her breath. “I feel as if I’ve just spent the last few weeks trying to find my way out of a maze.”

  “Better get used to it if you want to keep your job here. Willis will have you jumping through hoops soon enough, so mastering mazes and thriving on confusion can help you succeed.”

  “Great. Thanks for the advice.”

  She shuffled the mess of papers on her desk into a neat stack and pushed them to the right of the computer, a courtesy since she shared the area with another reporter, whom she hadn’t met yet. Studying the mess on top of Waldo’s desk, she concluded he had sole proprietorship. Lucky guy.

  She finished her coffee and tossed the cup in the trashcan, catching a glimpse of Waldo. His fingers flew over the keyboard. He talked to himself, pounding away at the keys with the exaggerated strokes of a concert pianist. Now and then he stopped, sat ramrod straight for a moment then resumed typing. He was a madman but a good journalist—she’d read some of his articles.

  She covered her mouth, smothering a laugh. No one would argue Waldo didn’t fit any mold, but despite his peculiarities, Kelly liked him. She found him harmless, which was a good thing. The bad thing was she worried about his three-ring circus prediction. She’d moved to Florida for a slower-paced lifestyle, and she wasn’t up to circus acts for the boss.

  Oh well, she sighed, I’ve got enough to worry about right now. The future will take care of itself. She grabbed her purse and headed for Lacy’s school.

  When she and Lacy arrived home—after picking up two lounge chairs at the drug store—they found Steve’s car in the driveway, and her tired body responded with a giddy wave of anticipation. Fighting her reaction, she tried to muster some irritation at his persistence. She’d asked him not to come by. Told him she could manage on her own. She had the right to be annoyed but couldn’t find it in her. Honestly, Steve McCarthy seemed the only dependable thing on the peninsula. How could she dislike a man who showed up whenever she needed help or food?

  Lacy jumped out of the car and ran to meet Steve, who lounged against the front door.

  When Lacy charged him, his face lit up with affection. He was not the empty package Kelly had first imagined.

  “Hi, Lacy,” he said, glancing over at Kelly and warming her with a caressing look.

  His smile won Kelly over, draining her of frustration, banishing any remnants of irritation. Like her brother, he was innocent and disarming, traits, which made it nearly impossible to remain angry at him for more than a few minutes.

  “Did you bring more muckmuffins, Mr. McCarthy?”

  Steve knelt down, meeting Lacy eye-to-eye. “Nope, sorry. If your mom will let me, I’ll get some pizza for us before the movers arrive.”

  “Yay, yay.” Lacy wrapped her hand around Steve’s, displaying no inhibitions whatsoever.

  Kelly tossed her purse over her shoulder, eyeing Steve with mixed emotions. Her daughter’s easy relationship with him pleased her but also left her a little envious of Lacy’s ability to trust. “You sure don’t do as you’re told. Did you give your mother this hard a time?”

  “I admit I always knew how to handle my mom. You sound better, but you still look tired.”

  “I’m both. Tonsils aren’t bulging anymore, but I’m on my last leg.”

  “How’s Lacy?”

  Kelly nodded. “Kids bounce back faster than us older folks.”

  Steve grinned. “Hey, Lacy. Look over there.”

  The curious six-year-old followed his finger to where he pointed at a chameleon, now beige, frozen on the side of the house.

  “What is that?” Her features twisted with curiosity.

  “A lizard. They can change color to match the background.”

  Lacy charged across the porch to examine the critter. Her sudden movement startled him, and he leaped to a nearby leaf and turned lime green. She squealed with delight, confirming the asthma attack was over.

  Kelly didn’t doubt for a minute Steve could charm his mother and any other female he cared to. Her gaze traveled from his congenial smile, down his firm, well-defined body. On the outside he was close to perfect, pleasing to look at, sexy, charismatic. She’d seen young women eyeing him more than once—during the accident on the bridge, at Murphy’s diner, even at the space center. Steve McCarthy was difficult to ignore. That, combined with his thoughtfulness, dependability and his ability to make her laugh, made Steve McCarthy as much a pleasure to Kelly as a torment.

  “I think the kid’s hungry,” he told her. “How about if I run for a pizza before the movers arrive?”

  “Pizza sounds great, but we’ll go with you.”

  “What about the movers? We might miss them.”

  “Bad news.” She bullied him aside with a playful gesture and unlocked the front door.

  Her arm brushed against his ribs, sending an image of firm, flat stomach muscles and warm tanned skin to her brain. She knew, given the chance, Steve McCarthy would thaw her, moving her into spring after years of cold, lonely winters. It was a crazy thought.

  She stuck the key in the lock, wondering why, when she’d made up her mind to have peace and tranquility in her life, she’d been destined to take the same flight to Daytona as Steve McCarthy.

  When she pushed the door open, the glass panes rattled. “The movers aren’t coming until Thursday.”

  “Thursday? You’re kidding.”

  “Your hearing is good.” She grinned up at him, giving him a hard time. “They didn’t give me an explanation, just lots of excuses.”

  Steve shrugged and followed her into the living room. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Once inside, Steve sniffed the air. “Hmm. A definite improvement.” He hadn’t intended to come over tonight after Kelly had insisted she didn’t need his help, but he found himself worrying about them all day long. He wondered if Lacy was okay, if Kelly needed help, and…well, he just couldn’t let her do all the work necessary after the movers dumped everything in the middle of the house—which they were bound to do. He knew Kelly had no one else to count on, and he guessed a six-year-old kid could be more a hindrance than a help.

  “Look, I don’t mean to seem pushy. I know you asked me not to come tonight, but honestly, I’m worried about the two of you. Lacy sounded bad this morning, and well…you looked pretty rough yourself.”

  “Really? You think I looked bad this morning?”

  “Uh…not exactly bad.” He could tell she was teasing, so he played along, pleased to see the surge of life filling her weary form. “I’d call it under the weather.”

  “Under the weather, huh?” Kelly strode toward him, a playful gleam in her pale blue eyes.

  Steve backed up a step. “Good weather,” he said, winging it. “You looked great this morning.”

  Kelly stopped short of him and, hands on her hips, said, “Right. I looked in the mirror this morning, and my face would’ve driven demons away.”

  “I’ve seen worse,” he insisted.

  “You tell a good lie, McCarthy.” She gave her head a shake. “I’ve got to hand it to you, you’ve got one tough stomach. You’re not a quitter.” She laughed, a slow grin transforming her full lips.

  Kelly Pearson was beautiful when she laughed. Mad, tired, playful, whatever her mood, she fascinated him, except when she iced over. Even then, he wanted to know why. She was drawing him in, and he wasn’t fighting it a bit.

  Lacy giggled. “Get him, Mommy.”

  “Come on. I’m serious.” He gri
nned, eyes shifting between Lacy and Kelly. “You looked great! Sounded great! A picture of perfect health,” Steve lied to save his neck. “It’s the brain damage I’m worried about.”

  As soon as he said it, Kelly and Lacy rushed him.

  “Brain damage!” Kelly charged him in mock rage. “Let’s get him, Lace!”

  Steve tried to defend himself but hit the floor a few seconds later. Lacy tickled him, while Kelly pinned his shoulders to the carpet. Of course, he put up little fight.

  “Two against one! No fair,” he protested. “Okay, okay. Uncle!”

  “I think he’s enjoying this too much.” Kelly conferred with her daughter, and they set him free. Reluctant to end the fun, Lacy jumped smack in the middle of Steve’s stomach, knocking the breath over his lips in a rush. He rolled onto his knees and, swinging Lacy up onto his shoulders, carted her about the room on all fours, her joyful laughter bouncing off the walls of the empty room.

  An hour and a half later, when Steve pulled Kelly’s car into the driveway, Lacy still had a mouthful of pizza. The sun had slipped below the horizon, and the strong ocean breeze had picked up, carrying with it the tang of the salt spray wetting the sands a block away.

  “Hey, you two, how about a short stroll on the beach before we go to my place,” Steve suggested.

  Kelly’s hand froze on the passenger’s side door handle. “Your place? Wait a minute. Lacy and I aren’t going home with you tonight. We’re staying right here, with or without the furniture.”

  “Kelly, don’t be crazy. Not after this morning. Don’t pretend you feel great, either. You’re exhausted. Your throat still hurts…you had trouble swallowing the pizza.”

  “Nevertheless, we’re staying here.” Her tone sounded final. The subject was not open for discussion.

  Steve glared out the window with frustration. The woman’s got concrete for brains. He struggled to detach his emotions. “Kelly—”

  She interrupted him. “The house doesn’t smell as bad as it did last night.”

  “Right. And alligators don’t bite after a full meal. Pearson, you are downright stubborn. I don’t believe you.” He slammed his hands against the steering wheel.

  “You don’t have to believe me. I appreciate your offer, but there is no reason to drag us to your place.”

  “No reason? You’re joking. You wanted to kick yourself this morning.” Then, he understood. “You don’t trust me? Do you?”

  Kelly’s jaw tightened. That word again—trust. “It’s not a matter of trust. It’s just that I’m used to doing things myself. It makes me uncomfortable depending on anyone.” She pushed the door open but stayed in the car.

  “Letting someone help you now and then is different than depending on someone. Matter of fact, asking for help sometimes is the smart thing to do. What are you afraid of? I’ve already told you, you and Lacy can have your own room. The door locks, and if it would make you more comfortable, I’ll sleep on the back porch. I just don’t think either of you should sleep on this carpet again. I’m expected at the space center early tomorrow and will leave the house by five a.m. You won’t even see me in the morning.”

  “No.”

  “No? Just like that?” His good humor vanished. “Then I’ll stay here," he persisted. “You two go to my place. If I turn into a werewolf at midnight, you’ll be safe.”

  “Steve, we’ll stay right here and sleep on our porch if we need to.”

  “Not a great idea. Maybe you can come down with pneumonia, too,” he said, frustration pushing his blood pressure up a notch. “Have you checked your calendar lately? It’s April in Florida. The weather changes quickly. It might rain in the middle of the night, and the concrete patio floor could stir up some nice congestion by morning. Poor decision, Pearson.”

  He’d pushed her into a corner, and she came out fighting. “My name is Kelly, and I don’t appreciate your sarcasm.” She bolted from the front seat and slammed the door.

  Steve got out, strode around to her side of the car and handed her the keys. “Kelly. Think about Lacy. You aren’t being fair to her. She’s not much more than a baby, and she might not be as rugged as her G.I. Joe mom. She’s going to get sick, and then where will you be? You don’t have a doctor here yet.” He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to understand. “I’m not sure what’s going on here, Pearson. But I’m beginning to think macho is the game!”

  “Macho?” Kelly’s voice crackled with anger.

  Steve ignored her outburst. “I think your kid should be your priority.”

  “My kid is my priority, Mr. McCarthy. I’ve been taking care of her without any man’s help for six years, and I don’t need you or any other would-be dad telling me what to do now.”

  Stung, Steve drew back against the side of the car. He’d struck a nerve. A raw one. He’d gotten carried away with his own frustration and hadn’t known when to stop. He took a deep breath and centered himself. “I never meant to suggest you weren’t a good mother, Kelly.” He used her given name to avoid further offending her maternal pride.

  “You damn well better not!” Kelly spun away from him, her silky black hair swishing across her shoulders.

  She tore open the car door again. Steve winced when it strained against the hinges. He didn’t utter a word. He wasn’t a complete fool. Right before his eyes the ice mountain McKinley had transformed into the fiery Vesuvius—one as impenetrable as the other.

  Kelly had revealed the true cause of the chip she carried around on her shoulder, which had something to do with the ex-husband. His desertion, neglect—who knew for sure, but he’d glimpsed the eye of the storm. Unpleasant as it seemed, he thought he could weather it out. He sensed Kelly’s hurt more than the sting of her anger. He didn’t take it personally, admitting he’d stuffed a size twelve shoe into his size nine mouth, blundering into the taboo territory of parental responsibility. At least now, he thought he understood her a little better. Maybe if he were patient, she’d even confide in him some day.

  He almost laughed at his thoughtless remarks, but stifled any further words—even an apology, rather than suffer another tongue lashing. Not today, McCarthy, not today. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He just wanted to help her. Knowing he’d opened a big wound, he would have to give her time to let it heal. He hoped she wasn’t the sort to hold a grudge.

  Kelly reached into the car and pulled her daughter, dazed and confused, from the backseat. She hoisted Lacy to her chest, wrapping the child’s legs around her waist, and slammed the door hard.

  She stormed toward the house, Lacy clutched to her breast.

  “Sorry,” Steve murmured under his breath. “Sorry it still hurts so much, honey. Sleep tight. See you Thursday.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Hey, Jill. It’s Kelly.”

  Kelly sat in the middle of her living room floor, still surrounded by the mess she’d brought cross country in her car. It was Wednesday night, with no surprise visit from Steve—not after last night—but she didn’t want to think about that right now. The movers weren’t coming—again, but the phone service was on. What else was a girl to do but call her best friend?

  “So, you and Lacy made it.” Jill sounded excited to hear from her. “Have you stuck your toes in the Atlantic yet?”

  “Would you believe I haven’t even taken a walk on the beach? It’s been a bit harried around here.”

  “I’ll bet. I’ve only moved twice in my life, but after watching you wedge all your junk in your car—not to mention the moving van—it’s not something I’d want to do soon. Did your stuff arrive in one piece?”

  “It isn’t here yet,” Kelly grumbled. “They promised it would arrive tomorrow, but I’m not counting on it.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “I’m only giving you half the story.”

  “So where are you staying?” Jill asked.

  “In the house. Lacy and I slept on lawn chairs on the porch last night. That was a new experience.” Kelly
laughed into the phone. “You’ve got to try it sometime.”

  Kelly explained the predicament with the bug spray, shedding a bit more light on the problem.

  “And I was here thinking you guys had landed in paradise. I pictured beaches and little umbrellas in piña coladas.” Jill laughed.

  “I could’ve used a few drinks. I was beginning to think someone put a curse on me.”

  “Don’t know any witches do you?”

  “I was thinking maybe you. I thought I was being punked.”

  “I’m insulted,” Jill said, and they both had a good laugh.

  “So how’s the cold expert? The iceman? Have you seen him again?”

  Kelly cringed. No way could she avoid a half-truth now. Her friend would give her a hard time. After sleeping on it, Kelly had figured she deserved a hard time after the way she’d treated Steve. But he scared her. Sometimes he seemed bigger than life, too good to be true, and when he lost patience with her and challenged her motives, she’d come out fighting, convinced his flaws were beginning to surface.

  In the beginning, Ken had seemed pretty great, too. Handsome and attentive, but she had soon discovered a selfish, critical man beneath the smooth façade. Their relationship had been a major disappointment in her life, one she couldn’t take twice.

  “He stopped by,” Kelly replied.

  “What do you mean?”

  “He came over to the house after we arrived. He’s been extremely helpful. Unfortunately, he hasn’t revealed the power to get my furniture here, or I’d consider marrying him,” she joked.

  “Ah. So, for the right price he might be able to wheedle his way into your heart? Sounds like the man is attracted.”

  “Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. He might be a nice guy on the surface—most men are—but how do you know what lies beneath?”

  “You sound as if you’re talking about a monster movie.”

  “One never knows.” Kelly didn’t see any reason to tell Jill much more. She wasn’t sure where, or if, this thing with Steve would go anywhere, so why reveal details and only regret it later. She tried to change the subject. “Hey. How about you? Required any pantyhose lately?”